Cargo snugger strap and hook mechanism

ABSTRACT

An anchor with an “L” shaped aperture receives a strap pin end, the lower leg of the “L” locking the pin in place, the strap bearing on a smoothly curved side wall, the pin being held in place when not under load by a clip member on the back of the anchor and being contained within a pocket in the wall of a railroad box freight car. A two part strap is shortened to fit the cargo load through the use of a combination of turns and bights around a three part clip having a generally oval ring with an upstanding half oval ring portion displacing the various parts of the strap threaded thereon to increase friction. Moreover, the anchor may include a slot which with a side edge of the “L” shaped aperture defines a restraining post-like member therebetween. The restraining strap can be then threaded into and through the slot, around the post-like member, and exit the aperture so as to form a loop about the post-like member for restraining movement of the strap.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Loads on rail cars need to be restrained from shifting under thevarious loads imposed by draft, buff, and rocking of the car. Forparticular types of loads, such as large rolls or coils of sheetmaterial, or palletized loads, tensioning mechanisms using straps andanchors are advantageous. A special anchor fitting adapted to receive acorresponding anchor pin combines with a strap length controllingmechanism midway from the ends of a strap to maximize strength, ease ofoperation, economy in manufacture and minimize damage to rolls, coils orpalletized cargo. A simple cam locking mechanism may be used instead ofthe prior art metal ratchet mechanism on a strap.

[0002] The invention was initially adapted to shipment of paper rollsand other rolls of material easily damaged by prior art rail car wallanchors. Other cargos can be secured to advantages, particularlypalletized cargo such as shrink wrapped, packaged juices, or othersimilarly vulnerable cargo that should be protected from contact within-car projections during loading, transporting and unloading. Further,appropriately sized snugger straps and hooks could even be used forother materials. In other uses, other transportation devices such asover the road trailers and shipping containers continue to utilizemaximum cubic volume (“high cube”) designs the ability to recess anchorsalso has added utility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention combines several distinct elements into an improvedcargo snugger strap and hook mechanism. An anchor has an “L” shapedaperture which A strap shortening device enables a two part strap to beshortened to fit the cargo load through the use of a combination ofturns and bights around a three part clip having a generally oval ringwith an upstanding half oval ring portion displacing the various partsof the strap threaded thereon to increase friction to the point wherethe strap length can be effectively fixed under load, yet the lengthvaried when not under load.

[0004] In addition the anchor includes an integral elongated strapreceiving and retaining post-like member that is defined by a sideportion of the “L” shaped aperture and by a slot in the anchor spacedfrom but near the side portion and generally parallel to the sideportion. Thus, the post-like member is defined by and positioned betweenthe aperture side portion and the slot. A spring-like clip mounted tothe back of the anchor is positioned to press a strap surrounding therestraining post-like member against the back of the restrainingpost-like member and resist unwanted withdrawal movement. The strapincludes a body portion and a strap end that is threaded into the slot,around the back of the post-like member and out the “L” shaped apertureadjacent the side portion. After exiting the anchor, the strap end canbe buckled or otherwise secured to the strap body so as to surround orencircle the post-like member. Force on the strap body, due to ladingmovement, pulls against the post-like member. Unthreading or withdrawalis minimized by the clip urging the strap against the post and by theclip grasping the strap and exerting a reactive force thereon to resistwithdrawal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005]FIG. 1 is an elevational view of my cargo snugger strap;

[0006]FIG. 2 is a plan view of my cargo snugger strap;

[0007]FIG. 3 is a an elevational view of my cargo snugger strap in anadjusted condition;

[0008]FIG. 4 is a plan view of my cargo snugger strap in an adjustedcondition;

[0009]FIG. 5 is an enlargement of the adjustment mechanism;

[0010]FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the anchor plate;

[0011]FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the anchor plate;

[0012]FIG. 8 is a plan view of the strap and anchor during the step ofaligning the pin with the anchor;

[0013]FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the strap and anchor during thestep of aligning the pin with the anchor;

[0014]FIG. 10 is a plan view of the strap and anchor during the step ofinserting the pin in the anchor;

[0015]FIG. 11 is an elevational view of the strap and anchor during thestep of inserting the pin in the anchor;

[0016]FIG. 12 is a plan view of the strap and anchor during the step ofmoving the pin inwardly past the locking angle of the anchor;

[0017]FIG. 13 is an elevational view of the strap and anchor during thestep of moving the pin inwardly past the locking angle of the anchor;

[0018]FIG. 14 is a plan view of the strap and anchor during the step ofmoving the pin forwardly past the locking angle of the anchor;

[0019]FIG. 15 is an elevational view of the strap and anchor during thestep of moving the pin forwardly past the locking angle of the anchor;

[0020]FIG. 16 is a plan view of the strap and anchor during the step ofengaging the pin with the locking angle of the anchor;

[0021]FIG. 17 is an elevational view of the strap and anchor during thestep of engaging the pin with the locking angle of the anchor;

[0022]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a preferred strap eye anchor witha choker strap;

[0023]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a strap eye anchor with a straptoggle;

[0024]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a toggle pin, strap and lanyard;

[0025]FIG. 21 is a top plan view of a hook;

[0026]FIG. 22 is a top plan view of a hook;

[0027]FIG. 23 is an elevational view of a hook;

[0028]FIG. 24 is an elevational view of a rod anchor in a wall pocket;

[0029]FIG. 25 is an elevational view of the anchor with the restrainingpost-like member;

[0030]FIG. 26 is a sectional view of the anchor of FIG. 25 taken alongline 26-26; and

[0031]FIG. 27 is a sectional view like FIG. 26 with a strap surroundingor encircling the post-like member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0032] An improved wall anchor 10 is adapted for use in connection witha paper load snugger strap 12 for use in a transport vehicle such as arailroad freight box car. The wall anchor 10 includes a locking angle orclip member 14 recessed in a recess 16 in anchor 10 and also within carwall 18. In operation strap pin 20 will be inserted into the wall anchor10 and manipulated into a secure position maintained by locking angle orclip member 14 which defines a recess 16 which captures an end of pin20. After the strap 12 is tensioned, the strap pin 20 will be bear onanchor 10 itself firmly affixed to wall 18, there being a hollow, pocketor recess in the side of the car behind wall 18. The major advantage ofthis system is that under all circumstances there will be no objectprojecting inwardly into the cargo area of the car from the side wall 18of the car to damage the cargo. This is particularly advantageous witheasily damaged, but otherwise unpacked or uncrated cargo such as is thecase with paper rolls or palletized, plastic wrapped cargo.

[0033] The anchor 10 and strap pin 20 work most advantageously with astrap-shortening device, generally designated 22, for cargo load snugger12. The strap-shortening device 22 includes a specially designed clip24. Clip 24 is preferably made from ⅝″ dia. heat treated alloy steel.Steel ring 26 is similarly constructed of similar materials anddimensions. The clip 24 and ring 26 are thus capable to handle a minimumof 21,000 lbs. pulling force.

[0034] The shortening device 22 is formed and arranged as describedbelow from two (2) pieces of preferably 4″ polyester strap webs the pinside web 28 and the standing web 30 which are interconnected using clip24 and ring 26. The term web is used in the general sense of describinga length of generally flat material, and is not necessarily limited towoven fibrous material, although such material is preferred. The conceptcan be applied to different sized straps or straps of different strengthproperties depends on the loads to be borne. Webs 28, 30 are speciallyrouted through clip 24 and ring 26. The pin side web 28 is sewn to ring26 at the end opposite strap pin 20. The standing web 30 passes throughthe various segments of clip 24 through a plurality of overlapping turnsand bights that apply sufficient friction under load that the cargo ismaintained in position in the rail car. Standing web 30 has working end32 which is the end that passes though clip 24, while has standing end34 is opposite. Standing end 34 is attached to a known tensioning device36, typically a device with a ratchet or an over center cam arrangementto put final tension on strap 12 to bind the load, once excess lengthhas been taken up by shortening device 22.

[0035] By feeding and pulling end 32 of web 30 through clip 24, theoverall length of the strap 12 can be adjusted. The ratio of theadjustable length is almost 2:1 between the clip 24 and the steel ring26. In other words, if a maximum 12′ long strap system combined withthat 6′ long fixed strap from the wall anchor to steel ring and that amaximum 6′ long adjustable strap between the clip and the steel ring,the system can be shortened to any length between 12′ and 9′ by usingthis device.

[0036] Clip 24 is formed so as to have a generally oval ring portion 40and an upstanding half-oval portion 42. Each portion includes straightlegs 44, 46, 48 integrally formed as part of their oval shapes. Theselegs provide a clear path for the webs with even distribution of loadsand even application of friction. It will be seen that beginning fromend 34 of web 30, end 32 will pass over the various legs 44, 46, 48 ofclip 24 being threaded to the final form. Web 30, thus forms first turn50 around leg 44, passes upwardly to leg 48 to form second turn 52,loosely held to enable subsequent threading. Web 30 then passesdownwardly to leg 46 forming third turn 54. Web 30 then exits clip 24and forms first bight 56 leading generally downwardly around a legportion 58 of ring 26. Web 30 then passes back to clip 24, specificallyforming fourth turn 60 around leg 46 and outward (below in FIG. 5) ofthird turn 54, but leaving a gap therebetween. Next, web 30 passesupwardly and around leg 48 to form second bight 62. This passes underturn 52 and will therefore be sandwiched between turn 52 and leg 48 whenunder load. End 32 then passes between turn 54 and turn 60, formingfifth turn 64. Turn 64 will also be sandwiched under load, between turns54 and 60 and under leg 46. In this manner, web 30 can be easilythreaded manually and easily adjusted when no load is placed on thestrap 12. However the multiple turns and bights, and the sandwichingaction in two turns, greatly increases the friction in the system whenunder load, thereby providing secure fastening of cargo. The turns, asshown in FIGS. 4 and 5, are generally between from about 35 degrees toabout 130 degrees. The bights, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, are generallygreater than 180 degrees.

[0037] FIGS. 8-17 illustrate the way pin strap 20 is anchored in anchor10 through movement in three dimensions. Anchor 10 uses a plate orfitting 70 formed with bottom 72, top 74 and two side 76, 78 interiorwalls which define an aperture 80. The term plate is used forconvenience and not by way of limitation to a particular method offabricating, thus, cut and formed steel plate could be used, as couldappropriate forgings, castings or moldings of appropriate material. Topwall 74 is formed to have recessed portion 82 which defines a notch 84or enlarged portion of aperture 80. Side wall 78 is further formed so asto have a smoothly curved surface 86 to relieve stress on web 28 whenunder load.

[0038] As strap pin end 90 approaches aperture 80 because the length ofpin 20 is greater than the distance from wall recess 82 to bottom wall72, pin 20 will be tilted slightly to insert the lower pin end 92. Asthe width of the sewn end 90 is less than the width of the body of web28, end 90 fits closely between the smaller dimension between wall 74and wall 72. Thus, aperture 80 is generally of an “L” shape, the bottomleg of the “L” corresponding to the width of end 90, and the height ofthe “L” shape corresponding to slightly more than the width of end 90plus the exposed top end 94 of pin 20.

[0039] FIGS. 10-17 show the progression of inserting pin 20 behind plate70 and its movement around angle or clip member 14 until, as shown inFIGS. 16 and 17, it is in its final anchored position. It will be notedthat strap 28 at end 92 bears on curved surface 86 in FIG. 17. Thus, theload across strap 12 is borne on anchor 10 when tensioned, while pin 20is held in place when strap is untensioned, by angle or clip member 14.While in the preferred embodiment, a weldment of a right angle sectionsteel member is utilized, other clip member configurations could be usedto perform this function.

[0040] The anchor 10 in combination with strap shortening device 22further enables elimination of the contact between the prior art metalratchet (analogous to tensioning device 36) and the cargo loads such aspaper loads or palletized cargo requiring surface protection. This priorart contact creates restrictions in the utility of prior art loadsnugger systems because of the damage to the cargo loads. The inventionalso could offers a better ratchet operating position for dock workersbecause of the improved location of tensioning device 36 relative to theends of the strap 12.

[0041] Alternative anchor attachments are shown in FIGS. 18-20. A strapeye 110 having center bail 112 and ends 114, 116, is mounted on a carwall 118. This can be easily accomplished by welding, preferred in thecurrent field environment, or alternative attachments could be used, asby heavy duty bolts or rivets through ends 114,116. A sufficiently widefootprint, using the ends 114, 116 and bail 112 as shown, enables theuse of a “choker” arrangement where a strap 120 has a loop 122 such thatthe standing part 124 is passed through the loop for a tight,fastener-free connection to the eye 110. If a car is fitted with arecessed pocket, the function of bail 112 could be performed by a bar134 spanning the pocket 136.

[0042] In another alternative, loop 122 is passed through eye 110,particularly where the standing part is fixed or it is inconvenient toset the choker arrangement, and pin 130 is inserted into loop 122, strap120 being drawn in tension, such that a toggle connection is formed. Inthis arrangement, toggle pin 130 can be removed by hand upon slacking ofstrap 120. Lanyard 132 can be used to maintain pin 130 from being lost.

[0043] FIGS. 21-23 show an improved strap hook 150 that may be fastenedto a looped end 152 of a strap 154. Preferably end 152 is stitched 156,however buckle arrangements known in the art or described above couldperform a loop forming function. Stitching has advantages in durabilityand avoidance of misadjustment and slipping, particularly when at abitter end of a strap 154.

[0044] Strap hook 150 is made up of inner plate 160 and an overlappingouter plate 162 having respective curves 164, 166. Opposite curves 164,166 are slotted portion 168, 170. Plates 160, 162 are also joined by aloosely fit rivet 172. It will be seen that the flexibility of end 152,slotted portions 168, 170, and rivet 172, hook 150 opens to fit anappropriate pin 174 such as may be located on a strap shortening device22 or anchor pocket bar 134, 136 (FIG. 24).

[0045] Turning now to FIGS. 25-27, the anchor 200 is similar to theanchor structures described hereinbefore in that the anchor includes abody portion 202 which defines an “L” shaped pin receiving aperture 204and a pin engaging clip 206. However, in addition, the body portion 202defines a strap or web receiving aperture 207 which in combination withthe adjacent pin receiving slot or aperture edge 208 defines a post-likestructure 210. A strap or web is trained about the post-like structure210 so as to surround the “post-like” structure and restrain loadsacting against the strap. The system is particularly useful where theweb or strap end is free and does not include a restraining pin. In FIG.27 the strap end 212 is shown threaded through the slot or aperture 207about the post-like structure 210 and then exits the anchor 200 via theaperture 204 against the edge 208.

[0046] A strap restraining clip 213 is secured (such as by welding) tothe back of the anchor body 202 extends across aperture 207 and spacedfrom but is biased toward the back of the post-like structure 210.

[0047] The clip 213 engages the strap and urges it into engagement withthe post. Moreover, the clip edge 213A grips the strap so as to resistmovement of the strap in the reverse direction. Such reverse orwithdrawal movement of the strap relative to the restraining post isminimized by the urging and engaging action of the clip.

[0048] Moreover, the strap end can be secured to a buckle, such as 214,that is mounted on the strap body and which receives and holds the strapend to the strap body. The action of the buckle further minimizes thechance of withdrawal of the strap from the anchor. It is seen that theaperture 207 is defined by portions of the anchor and of the retainingpost. The anchor side of the aperture has an angularly positioned frontentry surface 207A and a generally perpendicular rear or exit surface207B. The other side of the aperture 207 is defined by the restrainingpost. The post includes a perpendicularly positioned front or entrysurface 207C and angularly positioned rear or exit surface 207D. It isseen that a restriction is formed by the intersections of (a) surfaces207A and 207B and (b) surfaces 207C and 207D. The surfaces define (1) anenlarged front opening that is angularly positioned away from the “L”shaped aperture 204 and (2) an enlarged rear opening that is angularlypositioned toward the “L” shaped aperture. The orientation of theopening 207 and side surfaces operates to position the strap in the slotopening at an angle to the anchor body, in a position to grasp the strapthrough the “L” shaped aperture 204 and in a position to be drawn aroundthe restraining post 210. The edge 208 includes 3 surfaces, (1) anangularly positioned rear surface 208A (2) a flat or right angle centersurface 208B, and (3) an oppositely inclined and angularly positionedfront surface 208C. These surfaces are oriented so as to permit thestrap to wrap around the post 210 and be joined to the buckle 214without engaging any sharp edges which may cut into or on which thestrap may hang up.

[0049] Thus, the use of the restraining post portion of the anchorpermits the anchor to be used with a strap that does not include a pinend, permits the anchor to resist forces on the strap as from ladingduring movement, and provides a mechanism for storing or hanging a pinfree strap from the anchor. This anchor thus provides in combination astructure for securement of the strap with a pin end or a strap whichdoes not include a pin end.

We claim:
 1. An anchoring and strap length controlling mechanism forsecuring loads in a transport vehicle comprising: an anchor fittingattached to the vehicle; said anchor fitting receiving and disengaging acorresponding anchor pin; said anchor pin being fixed at a first end ofa flexible, flat tensile member; said tensile member having ananchorable second end opposite said first end; a strap lengthcontrolling mechanism spaced from and between said first and secondends, enabling a strap to maximize strength, ease of operation, economyin manufacture and minimize damage to the rolls or coils.
 2. The anchorfitting of claim 1, further comprising: said anchor fitting being flushmountable in a wall or floor of a transport vehicle; said anchor fittinghaving a plate portion with an inner and outer surface, top, bottom andfirst and second side walls formed to define a generally “L” shapedaperture having an upper leg and a lower leg; said aperture adapted toreceive an anchor pin affixed to a tensile member end; said first sidewall having a smoothly curved surface merging into said outer surface;said tensile member end fitting in a lower leg of the “L”; when saidtensile member is under tension, said pin locks in place against the topand bottom walls defining the aperture, bearing on said smoothly curvedfirst side wall.
 3. The anchor fitting of claim 2, further comprising:said pin is held in place when said tensile member is not under tensionby a clip member formed on the back of the inner surface.
 4. The anchorfitting of claim 2, further comprising: said anchor plate is containedwithin a pocket in the wall of a cargo carrying transport vehicle suchas a railroad box freight car.
 5. The tensile member of claim 1, furthercomprising: a strap having a standing web, the standing web having aworking end; a clip having a ring with an upstanding half ring portion;said end being threaded on said clip so as to have a combination ofturns and bights, said clip displacing the various parts of the endstrap threaded thereon to increase friction so that the strap length canbe effectively fixed under load, yet the length varied when not underload.
 6. The tensile member of claim 5, further comprising: saidcombination of turns and bights leading around a three part clip havinga generally oval ring with an upstanding half oval ring portiondisplacing the various parts of the strap threaded thereon.
 7. Thetensile member of claim 6, further comprising: said working end passesthough said clip said tensile member having a standing end opposite saidworking end; said standing end is attached to a tensioning device to putfinal tension on strap to bind the load, once excess length has beentaken up by feeding and pulling said working end through said clip. 8.The tensile member of claim 7, further comprising: the overall length ofthe strap being adjustable at ratio of the adjustable length is about2:1 between said clip and said ring.
 9. The anchor fitting of claim 1,further comprising: said anchor fitting being flush mountable in a wallor floor of a transport vehicle; said anchor fitting having a plateportion with an inner and outer surface, top, bottom and first andsecond side walls formed to define a generally “L” shaped aperturehaving an upper leg and a lower leg; said aperture adapted to receive ananchor pin affixed to a tensile member end; said first side wall havinga smoothly curved surface merging into said outer surface; said tensilemember end fitting in a lower leg of the “L”; when said tensile memberis under tension, said pin locks in place against the top and bottomwalls defining the aperture, bearing on said smoothly curved first sidewall; said pin is held in place when said tensile member is not undertension by a clip member formed on the back of the inner surface; saidanchor plate is contained within a pocket in the wall of a cargocarrying transport vehicle such as a railroad box freight car; saidtensile member being a strap having a standing web, the standing webhaving a working end; a clip having a ring with an upstanding half ringportion; said end being threaded on said clip so as to have acombination of turns and bights, said clip displacing the various partsof the end strap threaded thereon to increase friction so that the straplength can be effectively fixed under load, yet the length varied whennot under load; said combination of turns and bights leading around athree part clip having a generally oval ring with an upstanding halfoval ring portion displacing the various parts of the strap threadedthereon; said working end passes though said clip; said tensile memberhaving a standing end opposite said working end; said standing end isattached to a tensioning device to put final tension on strap to bindthe load, once excess length has been taken up by feeding and pullingsaid working end through said clip; the overall length of the strapbeing adjustable at ratio of the adjustable length is about 2:1 betweensaid clip and said ring.
 10. A load securing anchor for a transportvehicle comprising: a plate having top, bottom and side walls definingan “L” shaped aperture adapted to receive a strap pin end, the straphaving a pin affixed to the strap end, said top and bottom wallsdefining the lower leg of the “L” lockably receivable of the strap end;said side wall having a smoothly curved surface bearingly receivable ofthe strap end; a clip member mounted on the back of the anchor plate andcontained within a pocket in the wall of the transport vehicle adaptedto hold the pin in place when the strap is not under load.
 11. Theanchor fitting of claim 10, further comprising: said anchor fittingbeing flush mountable in a wall or floor of a transport vehicle; saidplate having an inner surface and an outer surface; a first of said sidewalls having a smoothly curved surface merging into said outer surface;said pin end fitting in a lower leg of the “L”; when said tensile memberis under tension, said pin locks in place against the top and bottomwalls defining the aperture, bearing on said smoothly curved first sidewall.
 12. The anchor fitting of claim 11, further comprising: saidanchor plate is contained within a pocket in the wall of a cargocarrying transport vehicle such as a railroad box freight car.
 13. Astrap shortening device for securing cargo in a transport vehiclecomprising: a strap having a standing web, the standing web having aworking end; a clip having a ring with an upstanding half ring portion;said end being threaded on said clip so as to have a combination ofturns and bights, said clip displacing the various parts of the endstrap threaded thereon to increase friction so that the strap length canbe effectively fixed under load, yet the length varied when not underload.
 14. The tensile member of claim 13, further comprising: saidcombination of turns and bights leading around a three part clip havinga generally oval ring with an upstanding half oval ring portiondisplacing the various parts of the strap threaded thereon.
 15. Thestrap of claim 14, further comprising: said working end passes thoughsaid clip said strap having a standing end opposite said working end;said standing end is attached to a tensioning device to put finaltension on strap to bind the load, once excess length has been taken upby feeding and pulling said working end through said clip.
 16. The strapof claim 15, further comprising: the overall length of the strap beingadjustable at ratio of the adjustable length is about 2:1 between saidclip and said ring.
 17. A multipurpose anchor for mounting to a wall ofa transport vehicle and for receiving and providing an anchor for anelongated lading engaging and anchoring strap, wherein the anchorincludes: a body which defines an “L” shaped aperture adapted to receivea strap with an anchor pin at its end and which also defines anelongated strap receiving slot adjacent the “L” shaped aperture forreceiving a strap with a pin free end, said anchor body including astrap restraining post-like member between the “L” shaped aperture andthe slot and about which a strap can be trained, a pin receiving clipmounted to the anchor body adjacent the “L” aperture for receiving atleast a portion of the pin and restraining movement of an anchor pinwhich has been fitted through aperture to the clip, and a straprestraining clip mounted to the anchor body and positioned (1) to engagethe strap and urge the strap against the restraining post-like memberand (2) to permit the entry of a strap into the slot and resist movementof the strap out from the slot.
 18. A multi-purpose anchor as in claim17 wherein the slot is generally parallel to an edge of the “L” shapedaperture so as to define therebetween the restraining post-like member.19. A multi-purpose anchor as in claim 18 wherein the slot is angularlystructured so that the front of the slot is positioned away from “L”shaped aperture and the rear of the slot is positioned toward the “L”shaped aperture.
 20. A multi-purpose anchor as in claim 19 wherein thesurfaces which form the slot and post-like member are free of edgeswhich may cut into the strap.
 21. A multi-purpose anchor as in claim 17wherein the strap restraining clip is secured to the back of the anchorbody and is constructed to press a strap against the back of therestraining post-like member and the clip includes an edge adapted togrippingly engage the strap.
 22. A multi-purpose anchor as in claim 19wherein said clip is biased toward said post-like member.
 23. Amulti-purpose anchor as in claim 19 wherein said clip is mounted on oneside of said slot, extends across said slot, and terminates on the otherend of said slot where it is biased toward the post-like member.